The detergent and cleaning agent manufacturer Sonett is experiencing significant growth, so efficient labelling is an absolute must. The company relies on a labelling machine from Gernep.
16 April 2021
The self-adhesive labels for the various product examples vary in size and shape. (Image: suma film GmbH)
Sonett was one of the first manufacturers of ecological detergents and cleaning agents and has been setting standards for 40 years now: Today, the company occupies a prominent position in the German natural products market. Efficient labelling is an absolute must as production figures increase.
The company has been recording continuous sales growth since the early 1990s, and can now be said to be on the verge of a boom. exponential increase speak. Because an integral part of the portfolio of the Baden-Württemberg manufacturer Sonett now also includes products for personal hygiene and sanitising. From the procurement of raw materials to social interaction, the company is orientated towards sustainable values and environmentally conscious ideals and lives it consistently.
Dynamic adjustment of labelling performance
Sonett products can also hold their own internationally and are exported to 43 countries worldwide. Labelling is now carried out in 15 languages. The machine equipment used to efficiently attach self-adhesive labels from the roll to differently shaped PET containers must also be suitable. Sonett also wanted Process a wide range of container sizes with just one machine. These requirements are met by a Modern labelling machine from Gernep just: The Soluta 8-784 2SK SD is characterised by a flexible rotary machine concept. Sonett currently fills hand soap, cleaning agents and liquid detergents in container formats from 120 to 2,000 millilitres.
Perfectly positioned labels for environmentally friendly products. (Image: suma film GmbH)
All labels are labelled with the semi-circular cut-out Sonett figurative mark are provided. The dimensions vary depending on the product and range from 150 to 240 millimetres wide and 60 to 160 millimetres high. Only on the detergent containers is the otherwise generally rectangular label cut at an angle towards the handle. Adapted to the respective production volume, around 4,000 containers per hour are labelled with this machine.
Display
One plus point is that the design already includes a Flexible extension and a third self-adhesive dispenser unit can also be retrofitted for side seal labelling. As Sonett's product ranges are equipped with film labels, the Soluta also has a de-ionisation unit. This neutralises the electrostatic charge of the label material and prevents uncontrolled adhesion to the plastic bottles.
A special camera system monitors the exact labelling. (Image: suma film GmbH)
To optimise the Precise label alignment to the machine table, a supplier's camera was also installed. A hand-held scanner with barcode reading function can also be used to check the exact position of new label rolls when they are loaded.
Focus on the elixir of life, water
Since the company was founded, the element of water has been particularly close to the company's heart. For this reason, the products use ingredients that do not harm the environment. For example, the company relies on the Modular washing system. Because only if detergents, softeners and bleaching agents are dosed separately can the substances be utilised optimally. The avoidance of raw materials from petrochemicals, complete biodegradability, resolute rejection of genetic engineering, avoidance of enzymes and the use of (essential) oils from organic cultivation are also the ecological criteria for sustainable washing and cleaning today.
Sonett's basic philosophy includes not only the protection of water, but also the appreciation of its natural movement. „This is also reflected in the flowing movements of our bottling lines. We were therefore delighted that Gernep was able to supply a labelling machine that precisely reflects this philosophy. ‚Flow‘ and at the same time delivers outstanding labelling results,“ emphasises Sonett Managing Director Gerhard Heid.
Non-stop labelling supports the continuous production process. (Image: suma film GmbH)
If a label roll runs empty, the second dispensing unit is activated. This process runs automatically using the non-stop function „in a river“ without interrupting the labelling process.
Service makes the difference
The Range of services of the labeller from Gernep met Sonett's expectations exactly. Above all, the machine manufacturer's service made the difference to other industry representatives. Particular attention was paid to the Instruction and training of operators on site was laid. Gernep succeeded in perfectly realising the customer's wishes and also immediately resolving any discrepancies that arose. The high quality of the machine and the labelling was the decisive factor for Sonett to order another machine. Gerhard Heid is happy to recommend the labelling machine specialist as a partner.
(Image: Sonett)
„From the first contact to the configuration of the machine through to acceptance, retrofitting and commissioning, competent and solution-orientated contacts were always at our side.“ Gerhard Heid, Managing Director Sonett
The collaboration between Sonett and Gernep shows that, in addition to decades of expertise Customer-orientated service or the consistency of technology and company philosophy is decisive for the award of the contract.
